U.S. bases in Iraq built with an air of permanence

[maddezmom]

BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq — The concrete goes on forever, a mile-long slab that's now the home of up to 120 U.S. helicopters — a "heli-park" as good as any back in the States.

At another giant base, al-Asad in Iraq's western desert, the 17,000 troops and workers come and go in a kind of bustling American town, with a Burger King, Pizza Hut and a car dealership.

At a third hub down south, Tallil, they're planning a mess hall that will seat 6,000 airmen and soldiers for chow.

Are the Americans here to stay? Air Force mechanic Josh Remy is sure of it as he looks around Balad.

"I think we'll be here forever," the 19-year-old airman from Wilkes-Barre, Pa., told a visitor to his base.

more:http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002878828_iraqfuture21.html?syndication=rss